Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Another year learned

Today marks the start of my 31st year.


A lot of people have trouble with aging and some seem to try and comfort themselves by calling themselves young at heart. Now, I know I am not old, but that is not me.


I have never thought of myself as a young at heart. I was always someone who people said was “wise beyond their years” when I was younger and that is something I have always identified with. Aging to me is a good thing. I may not get smarter as I get older (I think intelligence level is generally set since birth), but I hope I get wiser.


It also doesn’t mean I lack a sense of adventure, or think I am too old to do certain things. To me age has little to do with what you can or can’t do or what you are supposed to or not supposed to do. Or really with who you are. Who says a 50 or 60 year old who starts something new or likes something that is generally liked by younger people has to be a young at heart. Can it not just be something they like, regardless of age?


To me a birthday signifies another year of opportunity. Another year to try something new. Another year to learn. Whether about myself or about the world.

So what have I learned (or re-learned) this year?

  • To not sell myself short. This is a work in progress, but I have definitely made positive strides. To a lot of people it is probably strange that I have this on a list at all. In some parts of my life this is not something I need work on, but in others it is.
  • That just sitting on the sofa is not me (unless it follows a lot of activity!).
  • That consistency pays off.
  • That my husband’s belief in my abilities may be more accurate than my own.
  • That I need to put myself out there more.
  • That I have a waist!

I am looking forward to all of the adventures and learning that 31 will bring and hope it is as good as 30 was.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy birthday! Very good post -- my sister said something the other day to me...She said that now that she is in her 30s, she feels like she's "earned her place" in society. She went on to elaborate that she feels truly comfortable with who she is and is loving the feeling of being at peace with herself.

I kept nodding and saying, "Yes!" Same way I reacted to your post.

Rock on l'il sistah!!! :) :) :) :)

John said...

Happy Birthday, Beth!

And I agree with Graeme - I think you underestimate your abilities, at least athletically-speaking. (Which is understable, given your history of injuries). Your recent race result is just a hint of the talent you have inside.

Here's hopeing that this year will be a break-out for you. I think you'll be surprised by all you can accomplish.

jen said...

Happy belated birthday Beth!!

Great post. I think the confidence that comes with age is the best part. This is going to be a great year for you!

Runner Leana said...

Happy belated birthday! I think a lot of people to have accomplished certain things by the time they are 30 or 40...and that is part of why they freak out. Maybe they didn't accomplish everything? I think every year is just part of the journey. I am a different person I was when I was in my 20s. I feel like I've pushed myself a lot more lately and I'm really happy with the person I am growing into. Sounds like you are too! All the best for year 31!